Abstract: An illumination device for enhancing the structural and aesthetic appearance of associated articles or substrates and to provide operative coaction with conductive current paths made from conductive paints, inks and the like compositions on such articles and substrates is disclosed. The illumination device comprises an LED having leads, the LED and at least one portion of the leads are encapsulated within a substantially nonconductive relatively transparent or translucent housing. At least a second portion of the leads of the LED extend outside of the housing and are arranged substantially flush along an exterior surface of the housing so that when the housing is connected by suitable connectors to the associated article or substrate, electrical communication with an external power source can be established for operating and actuating the LED.

Abstract: A drop-off-proof button, which is not thread sewn to the clothing to which it is attached, and is capable of staying on to the clothing permanently without dropping off and of being attached to or detached from the clothing at will. It comprises one main button head, one auxiliary button head and one connecting stud. To the main button head, a decorative piece can be fixed through appropriate means. The main button head, the auxiliary button head and the connecting link can be made in one integral piece, or separately into independent pieces. The connecting link can be made integral with the main button head or the auxiliary button head, to which the auxiliary button head or the main button head can then be fixed through appropriate means respectively. In attaching the button to the clothing, the auxiliary button head is buttoned into a matching buttonhole on one flap of the clothing.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a button mounted in the rear portion of the spinning style fishing reel to operate a self-centering bail mechanism. The button includes a cantilever spring arm that cooperates with recesses formed in the button mounting passage. Biasing means are incorporated within the button to prevent it from inadvertently sliding back and forth.

Abstract: A novel grommet with improved fabric-engaging retaining means. Said grommet includes a pair of like annular washers arranged at opposite surfaces of the fabric structure, about an opening therein; and a central coupling sleeve engaged through said opening and the washers and having outwardly formed washer-engaging end portions. The washers have axially inwardly disposed fabric-engaging inner surfaces defined by portions of the washers established of plastic material and have flat annular metal portions spaced axially outward from said inner surfaces. The washers next include elongate axially inwardly projecting axially inwardly convergent fabric and plastic penetrating conical projections carried by said metal portions and projecting through and inwardly from said plastic portions. The conical projections on each washer project through the fabric structure, penetrate the plastic portion of the other washer and engage the metal portion thereof.

Abstract: An earring for pierced ears has an ornament for display on the outside of the ear and a fastener of unitary construction which is slidable through a pierced opening in the ear lobe for securing the ornament to the ear. The fastener is attached to the ornament and includes a shank portion for insertion into the pierced opening and an ear contact portion coupled to the shank portion by a resilient intermediate portion that positions the ear contact portion transverse to and intersecting the shank portion and is opposite and in spaced relation to the ornament. When on the ear the wearer's ear lobe is compressed between the ornament and the ear contact portion of the fastener under pressure from the intermediate portion so that there is little chance of accidental detachment of the earring from the ear.

Abstract: Buttons, especially for workmen's and leisure clothing include riveted to the fabric; a button thus including a male portion and a female portion. The riveting requires a hole being punched in the fabric, and the two portions of the button must be designed in such a manner that they are securely retained. By manufacturing the portions of a material having high frictional properties and shaping and selecting the dimensions of the stud of the male part and the mating bore of the female portion with a negative clearance, not only a secure retention, but also an ability of "self punching" the necessary hole in the fabric is obtained. For use with heavier fabric the female portion may be reinforced with a metal lining.

Abstract: A base member of a push pin is formed by casting or molding, and a pin is inserted pointed end first into a hole in the base member and forced through the base member until the end opposite thereof lies below the surface of the base member. The material of the base member is then flowed over the end of the pin, by mechanical or heat techniques, to form a substantially complete layer over the end of the pin within the base member. The pins preferably extend at an acute angle to a flat surface of the base member. The push pin may have pins extending from opposite surfaces thereof, a loop shaped projection adapted to be affixed to a wire, or a hinge separating the base member into a hook portion and a portion carrying one or more pins. The push pin may have a contoured base member to facilitate the affixing of a picture wire to a hook formed on the base member.